Eight African migrants who were living irregularly in the United States, originating from countries such as Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Ethiopia, were received in Cameroon on February 16. This transfer aligns Cameroon with other African nations such as Ghana, Eswatini, Rwanda, Equatorial Guinea, and South Sudan, which have also agreed to accept deported third-country nationals from the Trump administration. However, there is no public record of a formal agreement between the Cameroonian government and the U.S. regarding these transfers.

Currently, a total of fifteen migrants are residing in Yaoundé, hosted by the Cameroonian state and under the supervision of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The arrival of the latest eight migrants, which included three women, highlights the growing pattern of migration challenges faced by African nationals and the increasing role of African countries in receiving deported migrants from Western nations. Despite the lack of an official agreement, the continuation of these transfers may raise questions about the treatment and rights of these individuals upon their arrival.

The situation is part of a broader trend where African nations are being called upon to assist in the international migration crisis, particularly as the U.S. and European countries tighten their immigration policies. The Cameroonian government’s decision to accept these migrants reflects both a humanitarian responsibility and the complexities surrounding migration management in the region. As these discussions unfold, it will be essential to monitor the welfare of the migrants and the implications for Cameroon’s relationship with the United States and other nations involved in global migration issues.